Damages are calculated in a variety of ways when it comes to automobile crashes in Washington, D.C. In some cases, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damages and make recommendations for compensating the injured parties. In other cases, both sides may choose to hire experts who specialize in traffic collision reconstruction to determine fault and evaluate any financial compensation that is due.
Proving Negligence Allows Injured Parties to Sue for Damages
The most important factor considered when calculating damages is proving negligence on behalf of one or more parties involved in the crash. If negligence is established, then an injured party can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and property damage. While PIP insurance provides some coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, it may not be enough to recover the compensation you need.
Calculating Medical Expenses After Automobile Crashes
Medical expenses can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication and any other medical treatment or devices used to help heal the injury. It is important to keep all receipts as proof of these expenses in case a claim is filed.
Calculating Lost Wages After Automobile Accident Injuries
If an injured party cannot return to work due to the auto accident, they can seek compensation for lost wages. This is calculated based on an individual’s current salary or income level and an evaluation of how long the injury will prevent them from working.
Calculating Pain and Suffering After Automobile Accident Injuries
Pain and suffering is a more subjective element in calculating damages as it cannot be easily measured in dollars and cents. Pain and suffering is meant to compensate an injured person for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, or loss of enjoyment of life they experience as a result of their injuries. A knowledgeable attorney will typically use past case precedents to come up with an appropriate settlement amount.
Calculating Punitive Damages After Automobile Crashes
Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party, rather than just compensate for expenses. These types of damages can only be issued in certain cases where there is a clear showing of reckless disregard or intentional misconduct by the responsible party.
Property Damage Calculation
When it comes to property damage, an estimate of repair costs is determined. This can be done by obtaining multiple estimates or through communication with insurance adjusters. The costs are typically based on prevailing labor rates and replacement parts prices in Washington, D.C., as well as other factors such as depreciation due to age and mileage of the vehicle prior to the crash.
Hiring an Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Injury Case
If you have been involved in an automobile accident in Washington, D.C., it is important to obtain legal counsel before proceeding with your claim. Overall, understanding how damages are calculated after automobile crashes in Washington, D.C. requires knowledge of the law and expertise in assessing the financial impact of an injury. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights and will work to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for damages associated with the crash.
Roeser Law Firm
Roeser Law Firm – Recovering Auto Accident Compensation for You
Our legal team at the Roeser Law Firm can assist you when you have endured injuries because of a negligent driver. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (202) 660-4070. You can reach us online using our convenient contact form. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. You could lose important evidence if it is covered up or disappears.
